Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs Ford Transit Custom
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 4 Oct 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Ford Transit Custom: we're still completing height, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$79,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$56,890RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's standard kit: $56,890 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $56,890. That makes the Ford Transit Custom the more affordable entry point by $23,010.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $62,579 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Transit Custom by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- REC-005701 · published 15 Jun 2023The electrical wiring of the interior fan blower may not meet specifications and could cause excess heat when the highest level of air condition/heater is in operation.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-005595 · published 10 Jan 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the park pawl system that locks the transmission when the shift lever is in park may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- REC-005594 · published 10 Jan 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the park pawl system that locks the transmission when the shift lever is in park may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 13 more on the model page.
Ford Transit Custom
- REC-006724 · published 18 Sep 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, there may be insufficient clearance between a bulkhead mounting bolt and the fuel tank.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-006661 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the door control units may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006660 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, vehicles with 8F57 transmission may contain an Electronic One-Way Clutch Assembly built with an unseated snap ring.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- 11 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit Custom gets a 13-inch display and 12-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Ford Transit Custom. The Ford Transit Custom counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets vinyl upholstery while the Ford Transit Custom offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Ford Transit Custom lines up making 125kW and 390Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Ford Transit Custom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter measures 6,967mm long on a 4,325mm wheelbase, 1917mm longer than the Ford Transit Custom at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 14.4m
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,508/year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and $2,280/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Ford Transit Custom.
Warranty: 5 years / 250,000km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Ford Transit Custom: Top CarSorted Score, 67 vs 62
The Ford Transit Custom comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (67 vs 62), taking 4 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: value (Ford Transit Custom ahead by 17), practicality (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ahead by 17), fuel economy (Ford Transit Custom ahead by 8). The Ford Transit Custom will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit Custom?
The Ford Transit Custom is the cheapest at $56,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by $23,010.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Transit Custom uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit Custom carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit Custom has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit Custom makes the most power at 125kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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